is a 501(c ) (3) nonprofit with the mission of building gardens and creating locally grown fresh food projects alongside people living in food desert communities. Madisonville is a neighborhood on the northeast side of Cincinnati that’s rich with diversity in nearly every way. It is home to both young urban pioneers and families who have lived there since the 1880s. The large lots, historical root
s in agricultural traditions and active community partners have made this the perfect neighborhood to grow the 500 Gardens project. Despite Madisonville’s vibrant mixture of age, ethnicity, income, and family origin, it carries a USDA Food Desert designation, fresh fruits and vegetables are not easily accessible within the community creating a particular hardship for those without the means of transportation. Sidestreams began working in Madisonville in 2011 reusing vacant urban land, creating urban farms, building community and individual gardens, and sponsoring educational programs. Currently operating in three locations in Madisonville, we host community bonfires, aquaponics, chicken keeping, and a variety of community-centered events. We look forward to growing with the community to inspire and educate the next generation of urban agriculture.
